Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sontro Soundwave

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2025, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. At $250, it sits in the most affordable price tier of OTC devices, though its overall sound performance ranks #49 of 65 in the category. This device delivers standout performance in music streaming, scoring a strong 4.3/5—a full 2.38 points above the category average. Feedback handling is equally impressive at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect excellent stability without whistling or squealing during normal use. These strengths make the AirPods Pro 3 particularly appealing for users who prioritize media consumption alongside hearing assistance. However, speech clarity presents a more mixed picture. Speech in quiet scores 2.3/5, falling 0.53 points below the category average. Speech in noise measures 1.8/5, which is above the category average but still low in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort also trails at 1.9/5, sitting 0.61 points below typical OTC performance. The AirPods Pro 3 is best suited for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem who want hearing assistance combined with premium streaming quality. Those prioritizing speech understanding in conversations may want to explore alternatives like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which scores higher overall at a lower listed price, or the Elehear Beyond at the top of this price range.

The Sontro Soundwave is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid priced at $849, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.1/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. This behind-the-ear device uses disposable batteries and ranks #61 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 92% of its category. In our lab testing, the Soundwave shows a notable strength in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 1.09 points above the category average. This suggests users may experience less of the "talking in a barrel" sensation that can occur with some hearing aids. However, the device faces challenges in other key areas. Speech in quiet scores 2.7/5 (mixed, 0.12 points below average), while speech in noise registers at 1.2/5 (low, 0.28 points below average), indicating potential difficulty in challenging listening environments. The most significant limitations appear in music streaming and feedback handling. Music streaming scores 0.0/5, falling 1.92 points below the category average—a notable weakness for users who value audio entertainment. Feedback handling scores 2.5/5, which is 2.04 points below the category average of 4.54/5, suggesting the device may be more prone to whistling issues. At this price point, competitors offer substantially stronger performance. Devices like the Sony CRE-E10 and Lexie B2 Plus deliver significantly higher sound scores in the same price range. The Sontro Soundwave may suit those prioritizing own-voice comfort over speech clarity and streaming quality, but most users would benefit from exploring higher-performing alternatives at similar or lower prices.